Example PhD

Detecting deceit in humans from facial expression analysis

Supervisor: Professor A.D. Marshall

Keywords: Computer Graphics/Animation, Signal Processing, Image Processing, Computer Vision.

This project will aim to detect deceit by interpretation of human facial expressions from non-intrusive video technology.

The project will build upon ongoing Innovation Works/WAG Science Foundation funded research between the Schools of Computer Science and Psychology, Cardiff University, and Innovation Works, EADS, Newport. The project will implement newly developed Psychological theories and create a system capable of detecting untrustworthy behaviour. Data will be obtained from video analysis of subjects in an interview or interrogation scenario. The project will also build on facial dynamics work developed at the School of Computer Science whose applications have been 2D and 3D talking heads, trustworthiness of facial expressions, 3D facial dynamics as a biometric, facial expression analysis and modelling, and facial expression behaviour transfer.

Current research has examined the reliability of a variety of behavioural cues to deceit and has highlighted the key issues and controversies in deception research and emphasises the importance of a variety of different factors, such as individual differences, in relation to both truthful and deceptive behaviour. Experimental work has been conducted examining the cognitive processes that are involved in telling a lie. The findings of these experiments have informed future work regarding how these cognitive processes may affect the ability to detect deceit across individuals. No single cue to deception exists, but certain behaviours hold promise for future research and development. Also the importance of moderator variables, such as interview style and individual differences, should not be underestimated. The development of deception theories must consider the wide variety of factors that affect deceptive behaviour and further work regarding the specific effects of these different factors is required.

Key Skills/Background: Strong computing and mathematical skills required

Contact: Professor A.D. Marshall to discuss this research topic.